A combine harvester works in a wheat field during Mongolia’s

ULAANBAATAR - Mongolia is continuing its 2026 harvest, with the bulk of its wheat and vegetable crops already brought in. The harvest is a crucial stage for domestic food supplies, flour production and the country’s import requirements.

According to the State Harvest Commission, as of October 5, swathing had been completed on 36,600 hectares, while 273,900 tonnes of grain had been harvested from 186,900 hectares. Based on the technical readiness of the harvesting equipment, the remaining work could be completed within 26 to 30 days, the commission said.

During this year’s spring planting campaign, Mongolia planned to cultivate a total of 633,400 hectares. Of that area, 372,700 hectares were allocated to grain, 16,000 hectares to potatoes, 18,300 hectares to vegetables, 121,900 hectares to forage crops and 104,100 hectares to oilseed crops. The targets at the time were to harvest 474,800 tonnes of grain, 180,600 tonnes of potatoes and 273,900 tonnes of vegetables.

Food-grade wheat production is one of the key indicators of this year’s harvest. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization officially estimates Mongolia’s 2026 wheat production at approximately 494,000 tonnes, about 20% above the previous five-year average. FAO reported that wheat production was approximately 252,000 tonnes in 2025.

According to FAO, the increase in this year’s harvest has been supported by an expansion in cultivated area, relatively favourable weather conditions, and concessional loans and support for fuel and fertiliser provided to farmers. At the same time, Mongolia’s wheat import needs for the 2026/27 marketing year are expected to be below the previous average.

To maintain stable domestic food supplies, the government is working to allocate part of the harvest to build up reserves. As of October 5, 52,600 tonnes had been secured out of the planned 100,000-tonne wheat reserve intended to stabilise domestic production and supply.

A broad workforce has also been mobilised for the harvest. As of October 5, a total of 25,324 people were participating in harvesting activities, including university students, cadets from the University of Internal Affairs, personnel from the border protection and armed forces organisations, as well as permanent and temporary workers, the State Harvest Commission reported.

For Mongolia, domestic grain production—particularly wheat—is vital to food security and reducing dependence on imports. The projected increase in this year’s harvest could support the supply of raw materials for flour production. However, the final volume will depend on the remaining harvesting work, storage, quality and deliveries to the market, meaning a full assessment will still have to wait until the end-of-year results are available.